What to use instead of seed compost

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cheshirecheese

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What to use instead of seed compost
« on: March 28, 2020, 15:35 »
I've rather belatedly been given some hollyhock seeds by a friend who'd saved them from last season.  I think the best way to get them started will be in a propagator on a sunny windowsill, but I haven't any seed compost left.  Could I mix potting on compost with some sand to create a suitable medium, and if so, what proportions of each?

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mumofstig

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2020, 16:38 »
I'd just sift the lumps out of the potting compost and use it as it is ;)

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Growster...

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2020, 21:12 »
We just grab anything which had compost last year, and use that.

After all, home compost is not far different from bought stuff, and if you add a few grains of fertiliser, well, what's the difference?

Goferit - use the stuff you have already!

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cheshirecheese

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2020, 11:16 »
I'd just sift the lumps out of the potting compost and use it as it is ;)
I thought ordinary compost was too rich?  I'll perhaps sieve it and add sand to 'water it down' a bit  :)

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mumofstig

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2020, 11:35 »
I'd just sift the lumps out of the potting compost and use it as it is ;)
I thought ordinary compost was too rich?  I'll perhaps sieve it and add sand to 'water it down' a bit  :)

I honestly don't think that composts have much fertiliser in them at all, nowadays, hence the need to start feeding after a couple of weeks everything grown in pots or modules.
Good luck, whatever you do.

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mrs bouquet

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2020, 12:12 »
I just throw Hollyhock seeds around the flower beds, and take the chance.   Normally I have been about 50/50 lucky.   Mrs Bouquet
Birds in cages do not sing  -  They are crying.

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cheshirecheese

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2020, 15:38 »
I just throw Hollyhock seeds around the flower beds, and take the chance.   Normally I have been about 50/50 lucky.   
Yes, I would normally do that too, Mrs B - but in the autumn rather than the spring.  I thought as it was so late, it would be better to give them a good start in a propagator to get ahead, and then plant them out after the frosts.  We'll see!

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cheshirecheese

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Re: What to use instead of seed compost
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2020, 15:39 »
I honestly don't think that composts have much fertiliser in them at all, nowadays, hence the need to start feeding after a couple of weeks everything grown in pots or modules.
Good luck, whatever you do.
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Many thanks!  :)



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